Looking for a quick, healthy dinner option that doesn’t skimp on flavor? You’ve found it with this Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce recipe! This dish cleverly reinvents your classic salmon meal, turning it into delightful, bite-sized balls that are bursting with flavor. Not only are these salmon balls a fantastic source of protein, but they’re also easy to prepare, making them a perfect midweek meal for busy families or anyone in need of a nutritious dinner on the table in no time.
These salmon balls are tender, juicy, and full of fresh herbs, taking your taste buds on a delicious journey. The creamy avocado sauce is the perfect complement, giving you that velvety smoothness with every bite. This recipe stands out as an excellent choice for anyone wanting to indulge in a healthy dish without sacrificing taste. Perfect for gatherings, a casual dinner, or meal prep, this healthy dinner idea is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
- Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together easily.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish makes a nutritious dinner.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready to serve in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or meal prep for the week.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh herbs and creamy sauce elevates the taste.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to have a clean and organized kitchen. Start by gathering all your ingredients and necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process. You will need a large mixing bowl, a food processor for the creamy avocado sauce, and a skillet or grill pan for cooking the salmon balls. If you prefer, you can also use an outdoor grill for an extra smoky flavor.
Chopping the herbs finely can be done using a sharp chef’s knife or your food processor. In addition, ensure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for portioning out ingredients. Having all of this prepared not only speeds up the cooking process but also keeps you focused on creating a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Mixture
Start by either finely chopping the salmon fillet or placing it into a food processor and pulsing until it’s coarsely minced. This will create the perfect texture for your salmon balls. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon with chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that each ingredient is evenly combined for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Salmon Balls
Once your mixture is perfectly blended, it’s time to form the salmon balls. Take small amounts of the mixture and gently roll them between your hands to create balls that are approximately two inches in diameter. Depending on the size you make them, you can expect to yield about 12-14 salmon balls. It’s important not to overwork the mixture to maintain a light and tender texture.
Step 3: Grill the Salmon Balls
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the salmon balls in the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. You can test one of the salmon balls to ensure it’s flaky and opaque in the center. Once cooked, transfer the salmon balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Cilantro Sauce
While the salmon balls are grilling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the creamy avocado sauce. Add the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to your food processor. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and creamy, tasting occasionally to adjust the seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed. The sauce should have a rich, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the salmon balls.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is ready, it’s time to enjoy your delicious salmon balls! Plate the grilled salmon balls and either drizzle the creamy avocado cilantro sauce on top or serve it alongside as a dipping sauce. These tasty bites are best enjoyed fresh, hot off the grill, but you can also store any leftovers in the fridge. They make for a quick grab-and-go snack or light lunch the following day!
Variations
- Protein: Substitute salmon with other fish like tuna or even lean chicken.
- Vegetables: Add in finely diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like cayenne pepper or a pinch of cumin to switch up the flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your skillet is properly preheated to prevent the salmon balls from sticking.
- If using almond flour for a gluten-free option, keep in mind it may absorb moisture differently, so adjust as needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad and a squeeze of lemon for a light, refreshing meal.
- Pair with whole grain or cauliflower rice for a heartier dinner option.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, let the salmon mixture sit for 15 minutes before shaping into balls to allow the herbs to infuse.
- You can also bake the salmon balls at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes if you prefer a healthier cooking method.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
FAQs
Can I make these salmon balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the salmon mixture and form the balls ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you are ready to grill them.
Can I freeze the salmon balls?
Absolutely! After shaping the balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with salmon balls?
They pair wonderfully with various sides, including salads, grains, or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Conclusion
This Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce recipe is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and easy cooking! Perfect for a hectic weeknight yet fancy enough to impress guests, these little bites pack a flavorful punch. We encourage you to try out this recipe and play around with your variations, whether it’s swapping out the proteins or serving it with a different sauce. Let us know how your salmon balls turned out by commenting below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!
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Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Salmon Balls with Creamy Avocado Sauce recipe is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and easy cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) fresh salmon fillet (skin removed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Start by either finely chopping the salmon fillet or placing it into a food processor and pulsing until it’s coarsely minced. In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced salmon with chopped parsley, cilantro, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, smoked paprika, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything thoroughly.
- Once your mixture is perfectly blended, it’s time to form the salmon balls. Take small amounts of the mixture and gently roll them between your hands to create balls that are approximately two inches in diameter. Expect to yield about 12-14 salmon balls.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the salmon balls in the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- While the salmon balls are grilling, it’s the perfect time to prepare the creamy avocado sauce. Add the ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to your food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Once everything is ready, plate the grilled salmon balls and either drizzle the creamy avocado cilantro sauce on top or serve it alongside.
Notes
For a more intense flavor, let the salmon mixture sit for 15 minutes before shaping into balls to allow the herbs to infuse.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 20 g